A Typology of Aging Internet Users: Exploring Digital Gradations in Internet Skills and Uses

Abstract

Research suggests that older internet users are not a homogeneous group of users, as their level of digital inclusion varies widely, depending not only on their age, but also on their socio-demographic background, internet access characteristics, and the availability of social resources associated with “age-graded” life events (e.g., retirement and widowhood). This study presents a typology of internet users in late middle and late adulthood according to their levels of skills and uses and examines how socio-demographic characteristics, social networks and resources, and internet access shape differences between groups. Based on representative survey data, cluster analysis was used to identify four groups of users aged 50+: Apprehensive, Level-headed, Savvy, and Reluctant users. Three main conclusions emerge from their comparison. First, both internet skills and uses need to be considered, as more skills do not always lead to more varied use and the relationship is affected by access characteristics and proxy internet use. Second, socio-demographics remain critical in explaining gradations in digital inclusion, but their effects must be contextualized. Not all younger older adults were highly digitally engaged, so their broader life contexts need to be considered. Third, social networks and resources had little impact on aging internet users’ digital engagement.